In my short time at Rock Port two things have become very evident. One, we have some amazing teachers and staff who are dedicated to teaching and reaching all our students. Two, the community support and pride for our school is all around us. Community involvement provides our students with opportunities to learn and grow well beyond the textbook; here’s a look at some of that on display during the second quarter.
WC Farmer, Steve Shineman, and Drake Daugherty presented a Fire Safety Assembly to our students during Fire Safety Week. Marcy Wilroy and her dog Weldon visited our classrooms to talk about the role of a seeing-eye dog in her life. The students were very intrigued by Weldon and had some excellent questions for Marcy. Chef Gina from the MU Extension Office completed a Healthy Eating unit over the past couple months with our elementary students. Deputy Rick Sons with the D.A.R.E. program recently had preschool, 1st grade, and 3rd grade students complete a 911 simulation call. The students did a great job recalling key information needed if they ever had to make such a call. Malisa Linthicum comes around each month with books from the Atchison County Library Bookmobile. The A.C.M.E. Robotics Team received a matching grant from the Atchison County Development Corporation to support future club events. The Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49 and Watson United Methodist Church made donations to our Backpack Buddies Program. Chris Shimmel and Grace Church provide monthly pizza parties for students earning the Blue Jay of the Week award. Nearly all of our 199 scheduled parent-teacher conferences were attended…Thank you for taking the time to visit with your child’s teacher.
It is equally important for us to impress upon students to give back to the community. On Halloween the elementary took a trip to Pleasant View Nursing Home for a costume walk. The smiles from residents and students alike were priceless. Kindergarten held a Family Fun Night to share educational games and activities that parents can play with their child(ren). The 6th grade class recently hosted a Veterans Celebration in the Library. As part of that celebration the elementary staff and students lined the hallways holding posters and poppies to honor our Veterans in a “Walk of Thanks.” Later that evening the 6th grade class presented a donation to the Atchison County Memorial Building for over $1700. Just last week the 3rd grade helped decorate the Memorial Building for the Christmas Mall. The Elementary Student Council is currently sponsoring a “Kids Give Back” Holiday Drive. They are collecting needed items for the Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.
Our first Project Lead the Way Student Showcase was held in early October with over 200 students and family members in attendance. It was an incredible experience to see students explain their projects and more importantly the thinking behind the projects to family and friends. Our next Showcase will be on Monday, December 19 at 6 pm. I hope you can take a few minutes to stop by and see our new projects and hang around for an entertaining Holiday Program (PK-3rd grade) at 7 pm.
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Mr. Stephen Waigand, Principal, Rock Port Elementary
“Go Big Blue”